ACCUEIL BONNEAU – JOSEPH VINCENT HOUSE – CLAIRE MÉNARD HOUSE
Architectural Transformations and Heritage Restoration
Montreal, QC
Year of completion: 1998 to 2004
Use: Social institution
Project type: Conservation of historic and heritage buildings
Services: Preliminary studies, design, and construction supervision
Cost: 6.5 M$
L’Accueil Bonneau, Maison Joseph-Vincent and Maison Claire-Ménard are three authentic heritage buildings located in the Old Port district of Montréal. Situated within a protected historic context, these buildings originate from different periods and reflect the evolution of Montréal’s architectural practices over time.
L’Accueil Bonneau, a communal soup kitchen serving Montréal’s most vulnerable residents, was rapidly rebuilt following an accidental explosion in 1996, on the foundations of the former destroyed building. COHESIO Architecture designed a project rooted in the identity of the site. The original architecture is enhanced and revealed with elegance through sober and refined lines.
An aerial walkway connects the building to Maison Joseph-Vincent behind, which underwent renovation, transformation and partial restoration of its envelope in continuity with the work carried out on L’Accueil Bonneau to accommodate 25 social housing units.
At the rear of the site stands Maison Claire-Ménard. This century-old historic building was transformed into a rooming house for people experiencing vulnerability and now accommodates a day centre, a social reintegration clinic and a community kitchen.
Across generations, these buildings continue to contribute to Montréal’s urban narrative and have received several distinctions, including recognition from Sauvons Montréal / Héritage Montréal as well as the Quadrilatère Bonsecours "Orange Award".